Diabetes and Caffeine

The jury is still out on whether or not caffeine leads to diabetic problems. Although researchers in Japan are saying those who drink coffee or green tea can reduce their risk of diabetes, caffeine remains a concern as a higher risk for diabetes. The Japanese study focused on people who drink black, green, or oolong tea and who were between the ages of 40 and 65. The researchers are confident that those who drink at least three or more cups of caffeine each day are able to reduce their risk of diabetes by 33 percent. However, it should be understood that other substances in coffee affect the metabolism, and can cause other health problems.

The vast majority of research shows that avoiding caffeine is the answer to reducing the risks of diabetes. Researchers from a well-known university medical center found a strong tie between caffeine intake and increased levels of glucose and insulin among people who have Type 2 diabetes.

This is because insulin is needed by the cells to convert glucose into energy. Having caffeine with a meal hinders the body’s ability to metabolize the meals that are eaten, and therefore should be avoided. Fasting subjects who took part in this research saw no significant change in glucose or insulin levels, meaning there seems to be a correlation between food and caffeine.

The diabetic goal is to keep the blood glucose level down. In addition to eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise, diabetics should also consider avoiding caffeine.

How does caffeine affect our bodies? Diabetes is the inability to control sugar levels in the blood. This can be due to either the body not producing enough insulin, or having a hormone that resists insulin. Laboratory mice are often fed a chemical called alloxan. Alloxan is used in the mice to poison the cells that produce insulin and creating the conditions for diabetes. Research literature shows us that alloxan is produced in our body from caffeine. Theories suggest that caffeine produces this toxic substance in our bodies and either causes diabetes, or makes existing diabetes harder to control.

Americans love caffeine, and are consuming beverages with caffeine at a historic high. Because of this we may be getting massive doses of alloxan through the drinks we consume.

Why does alloxan hurt our body? A free radical generator damages our pancreas and can result in pancreatic cancer. A free radical will cause aging, diseases, and especially cancer.

Caffeine is popular because it gives us the little extra burst of energy we think we need to get through the morning or the day. Some people drink huge amounts of caffeine during the day. The soft drink industry encourages consuming caffeine and some are targeting the younger market in order to boost profits. The 15-21 year old age group is supporting the high caffeine levels by buying products that have abnormally high levels of caffeine. Even a well-known tea company is promoting a high-powered tea with high amounts of caffeine in it. Even some fruit juices and bottled waters now contain caffeine.

Overall, caffeine contributes to many diseases including depression, pancreatic cancer, and diabetes. It is safe to say, that those who are at a high risk for developing diabetes should avoid caffeine. Caffeine is not only found in coffee, tea, and sodas, but also in chocolate. You should also know that even decaffeinated products have a form of caffeine that produces the deadly alloxan.